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Million Dollar Filly Set For Flemington

3 minute read

Hawkesbury's leading trainer Brad Widdup has set his sights on a Melbourne spring carnival breakthrough with his million dollar filly Akari on Melbourne Cup day.

Akari winning at Randwick
Akari winning at Randwick Picture: Racing and Sports

Widdup clinched his initial Randwick black type success with Akari on last Saturday's Everest program and now intends heading south with her to tackle the Listed Jim Beam Black Stakes (1400m) against her own age and sex on November 5.

Akari wil be out to make it a hat-trick for NSW fillies in the Listed race after Our Crown Mistress scored for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott in 2017 and James Cummings' Pohutakawa won last year.

Akari, ridden by Widdup's brother-in-law Christian Reith, made the jump from winning a Wyong maiden at her previous start to the Listed Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) at Randwick when having only her fifth race start.

"All going well, we will have a crack at the Flemington race on Melbourne Cup day, but I have no doubt she will be better next preparation," Widdup said.

"There is definitely further improvement in her. I've always thought she could win nice races and it's satisfying to see her going the right way."

Akari was sold for $1.050 million at last year's Australian Easter yearling sale and is raced jointly by Jadeskye and Werrett Bloodstock.

She is a daughter of champion sire Snitzel and is closely related to Japan's champion miler/sprinter Mikki Isle, a son of Deep Impact who stands at Arrowfield Stud at Scone.

Widdup was pleased with the first-up performance at Randwick of his smart sprinter Sandbar in the G3 Sydney Stakes (1200m).

"I threw him in the deep end, but we had to start him somewhere," Widdup said.

"I thought he ran a nice race until his condition blew out.

"Our main aim with him this preparation is the Magic Millions meeting at the Gold Coast in January."


Racing and Sports

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